Emma Trahan Hopkins (1934 – 2023)

Emma Trahan Hopkins, age 89, passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, she lived with her parents and three siblings in several southeast Texas towns before settling in Victoria, Texas. It was there she met her future husband, Donald Hopkins, one Friday night at a local skating rink.

In 1952, Don relocated to South Carolina to work at the new Savannah River Plant. Emma went for a visit, they decided to marry, and she never returned home. For 20 years, Don and Emma resided in New Ellenton, South Carolina where they welcomed their three children. In 1974, Don joined the DuPont Company, prompting the family to move to Memphis, Tennessee. Subsequently, they resided in Front Royal, Virginia; Beaumont, Texas; Orange, Texas; and Newark, Delaware. In 1996, Don and Emma retired to Summerfield, Florida. Don passed away in 2004, after nearly 52 years of marriage.

Outside of orchestrating these moves, Emma devoted her time to being a dedicated stay-at-home mom to her three spirited children, actively engaged in the community, and nurturing her creative pursuits.

A natural leader, Emma immersed herself in community activities, participating in the garden club, chairing community event committees, and parent-teacher organizations. Her passion for crafting and art was evident; she encouraged others to explore their creativity. Emma was often found crocheting squares, creating beautiful handmade blankets, and highlighting her exceptional skills as an accomplished seamstress, crafting custom wardrobes for her daughters and their dolls. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as she furnished her first home by making dance costumes.

While in Florida, Emma directed annual variety shows and personally crafted all the costumes. In her later years, she generously shared her love for crafting by leading arts workshops at Somerby Senior Living, where she lived for the last five years, teaching painting, wreath-making, crocheting, and organizing projects, including making hats for babies in the local NICU.

Emma lived a life characterized by passion and enthusiasm. Her love of adventure was evident through the joy and excitement that waterskiing provided in her 30s. With grace and skill, she navigated the waves, effortlessly performing tricks, all while managing to keep her hair perfectly dry. Her zest for life was boundless and persisted through the years, evident in her pursuit of new passions. In her sixties, she embraced the art of tap dancing and embarked on adventures around the world aboard cruise ships, reveling in the company of friends and family. She was known for her dedication to decorating and accessorizing for every occasion, evidenced by her storage unit filled with wreaths for all seasons and her enthusiasm for patriotic events, as she would be the first person there with her American flag waving.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Hopkins, and two siblings. She is survived by her daughter Diane Grant, son-in-law Keith, and grandson Jackson of Dunwoody, Georgia; daughter Suzanne Saunders, also residing in Dunwoody, Georgia; son David Hopkins, daughter-in-law Melissa, and grandson Samuel from Newark, Delaware; and her sister, Virginia Smith, of Austin, Texas.

A funeral service honoring Emma's life will be held at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, February 16, 2024, at North Point Community Church, 4350 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, GA, 30022. A reception will follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a charity that resonates with Emma's spirit. Share memories and offer condolences to the family at www.northsidechapel.com .